Holiday Lettings news - Europe's ski stations branch out into summer sports

Europe's ski stations branch out into summer sports

The reality of global warming has led to diversification taking place in Europe's ski resorts. The Telegraph reports on the trend currently hitting the slopes and the research driving the changes.

Resorts are beginning to offer summer sports in an attempt to continue to attract holidaymakers; golf courses, cycle trails and walking tracks are popping up on the mountains as resorts try to offset losses caused by diminishing snowfall.

Stephan Lerendu, director of the Tourist Office in Avoriaz, in the French Alps, commented: "People think snow is a resource that will never run out, but it's difficult right now. Tennis courts, saunas and gyms are must-haves. Golf courses are indispensable for ski stations." Lerundu went on to explain that ski schools are being adapted for summer activities, with downhill biking pistes and Nordic walking facilities, concluding that this is "the future" of resorts.

A study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, revealed that snow cover suitable for winter tourism has fallen 60 per cent in the same number of years, the paper claims. The concerted effort to cater for summer visitors in the mountains comes as the results of the study were published. Dr Christoph Marty, who led the research, explained the findings to the paper: "We looked at the period between 1948 and 1987 and compared that with the past 20 years. It shows a decline and if you really like snow, there's no good news."

Dr Marty's study revealed that the number of skiing days for downhill skiing at top altitudes has fallen from 93 to 74 during the time surveyed. At mid altitude (up to 1,300 metres), the figure now stands at 38 days, down from 55. According to the New Scientist, the study takes into account data collected from 34 stations in the Swiss Alps.

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